Dental Hygiene Care I Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

DHYG-2201-001 Dental Hygiene Care I

Prerequisites

Course Description

Dental hygiene care for the medically or dentally compromised patient including supplemental instrumentation techniques.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(2 sem hrs; 1 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 Students are required to have the most current edition of textbooks.

• Wilkins' Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist and Access Code for  Navigate 2 by Linda D. Boyd and Lisa F. Mallonee, 14th edition, Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2023.
• Case Studies in Dental Hygiene, Evelyn M. Thomson, 3rd edition, Pearson

Supplies

Technical Skills and Requirements

Using the computer is an integral part of this course.  Students will be responsible for bringing their tablets or laptops to every class session.  Please have the battery charge up and ready to go.  Students must ensure that the Respondus Lockdown Browser is installed on their computers by the first day of class.  Utilize CTL resources for technical help. CTL Student Help Center: (806) 371-5992 or ctlstudenthelp@actx.edu

Communication

The best way to contact me is through your student email in Blackboard. I check my email Monday through Friday first thing in the morning and throughout the day as time allows. I will respond to your email within 24 hours. I will answer emails sent over the weekend the following Monday morning. Please remember to use netiquette when corresponding with faculty, staff, and peers.

Other Supplies

1. Library Card for AC and/or city library
2. Computer and Internet Access, Printer, Print Cartridges, 1 Flash drive
3. Index Cards, Paper, Pens, Markers
4. Additional Materials as Needed

Student Performance

Course Meeting Day and Time

The course is designed in a lecture-lab format. The class will meet on Wednesday from 12:00 - 5:00 pm in Jones Hall, Room 110.

Changes to the Syllabus and the Course

The instructor reserves the right to change the syllabus and the course as necessary. All changes will be posted on the course's Blackboard Announcements page, and students will be notified by email by the course director. 

End-of-Course Outcomes

Assess various patient needs; formulate a dental hygiene plan for the medically and dentally compromised patient; and describe supplemental instrumentation techniques.

Participation and Instructor Help

The learning activities in this course are designed to enhance students' understanding of the concepts. Students must prepare for these sessions and participate appropriately. 

Chapter Objectives

Learning objectives will coordinate with the materials presented in lectures, handouts, reading assignments, and exams. The student will know that these objectives are complete by earning a final course grade of "C" or higher as evaluated by an instructor. The objective standard may be one or any combination of the following:  a. As given in the lecture, b. As demonstrated and discussed in the clinic/lab, c. As shown in the handouts, and d. As stated in the course text.

Chapter Objectives:

Chapter 46:  The Pregnant Patient and Infant

After studying this chapter, the student will be able to:

1. Describe the oral implications of fetal development in all stages of pregnancy.

2. Identify common oral findings during pregnancy.

3. Recognize the association between periodontal infection and pregnancy.

4. Assess and develop an appropriate care plan for the pregnant patient.

5. Identify considerations that may occur during pregnancy and the need for referral.

6. Recognize the importance of infant oral health.

7. Describe anticipatory guidance considerations for infant and caregiver education.

8. Define early childhood caries and recognize methods of bacterial transmission.

9. Describe the components and techniques for conducting an infant oral examination.

Chapter 47:  The Pediatric Patient

After studying this chapter, the student will be able to:

1. Describe the specialty of pediatric dentistry.

2. Discuss using a caries risk assessment tool to identify an individual patient's risk and preventive factors.

3. Identify age-appropriate anticipatory guidance/counseling factors to educate parents/caregivers of toddlers, school-aged children, and adolescents.

4. Identify preventive and therapeutic oral healthcare interventions based on age and caries risk assessment.

5. Discuss oral health home care needs, adjunct aids, and continuing care recommendations for children.

Chapter 48:  The Older Adult Patient

After studying the chapter, the student will be able to:

1. Describe physiologic and cognitive changes associated with aging.

2. Explain common chronic conditions associated with aging.

3. Identify common oral changes associated with aging.

4. Demonstrate best practices for communicating with an older adult patient.

5. Explain and document the dental hygiene care process for the older adult patient.

Chapter 49:  The Patient with a Cleft Lip and Palate

After studying this chapter, the student will be able to:

1. Describe the cleft lip and palate types that result from developmental disturbances.

2. Identify and describe the role of the professionals on the interdisciplinary team in treating a patient with a cleft lip and palate.

3. Recognize the oral characteristics a patient with a cleft lip and palate may experience.

4. Explain how to adapt the dental hygiene appointment sequence for a cleft lip and palate patient.

Chapter 50:  The Patient with a Neurodevelopmental Disorder

After studying this chapter, the student will be able to:

1. Define and describe neurodevelopmental disorders.

2. Give examples of the characteristics, oral findings, and health problems significant for dental hygiene care for patients with intellectual disability, Down Syndrome, and an Autism spectrum disorder.

3. Recognize adaptations necessary for providing dental hygiene care for a patient with a neurodevelopmental disorder.

Chapter 51:  The Patient with a Disability

After studying this chapter, the student will be able to:

1. Describe the purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

2. Identify and define key terms and concepts for individuals with disabilities.

3. Identify risk factors for oral disease associated with disability conditions.

4. Describe factors that enhance the prevention of oral disease for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers.

5. Explain procedures and factors contributing to the safe and successful management of individuals with disabilities during dental hygiene care.

6. Outline a plan for continuing care for a patient with a disability.

Chapter 52:  Neurological Disorders and Stroke

After studying this chapter, the student will be able to:

1. Identify and define key terms and concepts related to physical impairment.

2. Describe the characteristics, complications, occurrence, and medical treatment of various physical impairments.

3. Identify oral factors and findings related to physical impairments.

4. Describe modifications for dental hygiene care based on assessing needs specific to a patient's physical impairment.

Chapter 53:  The Patient with an Endocrine Condition

After studying this chapter, the student will be able to:

1. Identify the major endocrine glands and describe the functions of each.

2. Explain each endocrine gland disorder's signs, symptoms, and potential oral manifestations.

3. Describe hormonal effects and oral health risk factors commonly associated with puberty, menses, contraceptives, and menopause.

Chapter 54:  The Patient with Diabetes Mellitus

After studying this chapter, the student will be able to:

1. Describe the types of diabetes mellitus and the significant characteristics of each.

2. Explain current knowledge about the oral health-diabetes link.

3. Describe the risk factors and criteria used to diagnose diabetes.

4. Summarize the lifestyle modifications and medications used to prevent and manage diabetes.

5. Identify the key messages dental hygienists need to convey to patients with diabetes.

Chapter 61:  The Patient with Cardiovascular Disease

After studying this chapter, the student will be able to:

1. Identify the cardiovascular conditions encountered in patients seeking oral health care.

2. Discuss the etiology, symptoms, and risk factors associated with cardiovascular conditions.

3. Discuss the impact of cardiovascular diseases on the oral cavity and their relationship to oral health.

4. Plan dental hygiene treatment modifications for the patient with cardiovascular disease.

Supplemental instrumentation techniques:

EMS Air Flow and Guided Biofilm Therapy Objectives

After studying the material over EMS Air Flow and Guided Biofilm Therapy,  the student will be able to:

1.  Define Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) and explain its role in contemporary preventive and periodontal care. 

2. Describe the etiology and development of oral biofilm and its relationship to caries, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.

3.  Explain the properties and clinical uses of erythritol and glycine powders.

4.  Discuss infection control, safety protocols, and maintenance of EMS equipment.

5.  Explain patient benefits of GBT, including comfort, efficiency, and minimally invasive care.

6.  Identify the eight-step EMS GBT protocol and explain the rationale for each step.

7. Describe the components and functions of the EMS AirFlow® Prophylaxis Master.

8.  Compare AirFlow®, and traditional rubber cup polishing techniques.

9.  Differentiate between erythritol and glycine powders and their clinical indications.

Research Paper Course Objectives

After attending library training, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of special needs dentistry
   • Describe the oral health challenges and dental considerations associated with patients with special needs.
2. Apply evidence-based research principles
   • Locate, evaluate, and utilize current peer-reviewed dental and medical literature relevant to the selected special needs condition.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in APA format
   • Properly format a scholarly research paper using current APA guidelines, including title page, abstract (if required), in-text citations, and reference page.
4. Analyze patient-specific oral health considerations
   • Assess the impact of the patient’s medical condition, medications, physical or cognitive limitations, and social factors on oral health and dental treatment.
5. Develop a comprehensive dental hygiene care plan
   • Create an individualized dental hygiene treatment plan based on the patient’s special needs, medical history, and oral findings.
6. Integrate ethical and cultural competence principles
   • Demonstrate sensitivity, ethical awareness, and cultural competence when discussing patient care for individuals with special needs.
7. Demonstrate professional written communication skills
   • Present information clearly, logically, and professionally using appropriate dental terminology.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

The Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program has specific policies regarding student conduct, whether written or implied. The course syllabi and the program manual are sources for particular student conduct policies for dental hygiene students at Amarillo College.

Expected Student Behavior 

The Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program requires all students to demonstrate professionalism in every aspect of their education consistently. These expectations apply throughout your time in the program and are detailed in the course syllabi and the Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program Manual. Policies, whether written or implied, are essential for preparing students for clinical and professional success. 

Professional Standards and Expectations 

As a dental hygiene student, you are expected to maintain professional conduct at all times. This includes how you present yourself, look, speak, and act with classmates, instructors, and staff. Your professionalism is continuously observed and evaluated throughout the program. 

Professional Appearance  

As a representative of the Amarillo College Dental Hygiene Program, you must maintain professionalism at all times. This includes: 

• Wearing clean, well-fitting attire that complies with the program dress code 

• Maintaining personal hygiene and a polished, professional presentation 

Examples of prohibited items include, but are not limited to: 

• House shoes, slippers, or inappropriate footwear 

• Bare midriffs, low-cut tops, or revealing clothing 

• Torn, stained, or excessively casual clothing such as hoodies and pajamas  

• Excessive jewelry or accessories 

• Hair must be neat, well-groomed, and a natural human hair color (no bright or unnatural shades). 

Your appearance should promote confidence, safety, and respect. Failure to meet appearance standards may result in dismissal from class until the issue is corrected. 

Interactions and Communication 

• Communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally in all situations—whether with classmates, faculty, or staff. 

• Manage disagreements and conflicts calmly and maturely. 

• Use professional language in all verbal and written communication. 

Ethics and Responsibility 

• Take responsibility for your actions, clinical outcomes, academic performance, and professional growth. 

Academic and Program Conduct 

• Strive for excellence, going beyond the minimum requirements. 

• Support a positive, collaborative learning environment. 

• Maintain composure and professionalism under pressure, during conflicts, or when receiving constructive feedback. 

If you disagree with a grade: 

• Follow the official grievance procedure in the program manual and course syllabus. 

• Maintain professionalism throughout the appeals process, including in all related communications. 

Examples of Professional Behavior 

• Consistently following the program's appearance and hygiene standards. 

• Communicating respectfully and clearly with all individuals. 

• Accepting feedback and taking accountability for your performance and decisions. 

• Demonstrating resilience, professionalism, and maturity when facing challenges. 

• Appropriately addressing grade concerns or program issues by following the formal grievance process as outlined in the program manual and course syllabus. 

Unprofessional Behavior 

Behaviors that are considered unprofessional and may lead to disciplinary action, including documentation through the college's Student Behavior Alert form, include but are not limited to: 

• Repeated misconduct, such as chronic lateness, poor attitude, or failure to follow program rules. 

• Any behavior that jeopardizes the health or safety of others. 

• Failure to maintain appropriate hygiene or dress code 

• Disrespectful, unprofessional, or inappropriate communication in any form. 

• Violating ethical guidelines 

Statement of Confidentiality

Confidentiality is the duty owed by dental hygiene professionals, including students enrolled in Dental Hygiene-accredited programs, to protect the privacy of ALL patient information. Dental Hygiene professionals must maintain the strictest confidence regarding patients' medical and personal information. Unless disclosure is mandated by patient consent, statute, a duty to inform third parties, or extenuating circumstances, dental hygiene professionals have a clear duty to maintain the confidentiality of ALL patient information. 

Breach of the duty to keep such information in the strictest confidence may result in liability for the individual student, including fines, imprisonment, and dismissal from the program. The American Dental Hygienists' Association has published the following statement: All dental hygiene professionals (including students) must always follow the "Code of Ethics." 

"We respect the confidentiality of client information and relationships to demonstrate our value for individual autonomy. We acknowledge our obligation to justify any violation of confidence." 

Cell Phone Policy 

Cell phones, including smart watches, are not allowed in the classroom or lab. If a student is found with a cell phone, they will be immediately dismissed and marked absent. Students with children or those expecting urgent calls must provide the Office Supervisor's number 9806-354-6064) to caregivers and direct calls to that number. If you have a personal situation that requires you to have your cell phone, you must see your instructor.

Mailboxes

Each student is assigned a mailbox located inside the locker room. Students are required to check their mailboxes daily for various communications from the faculty.

Bulletin Board

First- and second-year dental hygiene students have designated areas on a shared bulletin board in the student locker room where they may post announcements.

Emergency Contacts

Phone numbers that family members may use to reach a student in case of an emergency are as follows:

Dental Clinic Office Supervisor:   (806) 354-6050

Amarillo College Police:   (806) 371-5163

Academic Grievance Procedure

A student who has a grievance concerning an academic course in which they are enrolled is directed to appeal in the following order to the:  (1)  Instructor, (2)  Clinic Coordinator, (3)  Department Chair/Program Director, (4)  Dean of Health Sciences/Division Committee (5) Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs (6) Vice President of Academic Affairs and (7) College President in that order.

Grading Criteria

The final course grade will be computed as follows:

Chapter Exams                     25% 

Research Paper                    10%  

PowerPoint Presentation       10%  

Homework Assignments        5%

Midterm Exam                       25%

Comprehensive Final Exam   25%

The following course grade scale applies throughout this course:

A = 93-100%

B = 83-92%

C = 75-82%

F = Below 75%

Note:  A grade of "D" is not possible in this course

To pass the course, a student must achieve a final grade of 75% and meet all course requirements.

Required Course Assignments and Learning Activities

The course will consist of chapter tests, a midterm exam, a research paper, a PowerPoint presentation of the research paper, homework assignments, and a comprehensive final examination.

A research paper focused on a special needs patient is required for this course. Special needs are those of patients with medical, physical, psychological, cognitive, or social conditions that require considering a wide range of assessment and care options to provide dental treatment for that individual. These individuals include, but are not limited to, people with cognitive and developmental disabilities, complex medical conditions, significant physical limitations, and vulnerable older adults.

Requirements for the research project, deadlines, and grading rubrics are located in the content section of Blackboard.

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy

The Tutoring for Success Policy applies to any student whose grade or performance falls below 75% on any assessment. The student will be required to complete mandatory remediation assigned ty the course instructor. Remediation will not change the student's grade. The initial grade will stand. The purpose of remediation is to strengthen the content area that the student failed.  

Classroom/Lab Remediation Policy

To support student success and ensure mastery of course material, any student scoring below 75% on a test (excluding the final exam) must complete a remediation process. Within seven (7) calendar days of receiving the grade, the student must schedule and attend a tutoring session with the program tutor. The course instructor will email a targeted remediation assignment.  

The remediation assignment must be completed by the student and submitted to the instructor before the next scheduled test. Failure to complete any part of the remediation process, including timely tutoring and assigned submission, will result in a 10% deduction from the total possible points on the next test.  

Repeated non-compliance within a semester will result in a meeting with the Program Director and may lead to further academic action. This policy is designed to provide timely support and promote ongoing success in the Dental Hygiene Program. 

Faculty Assistance

All students are considered mature enough to ask questions and seek assistance from faculty, and are encouraged to do so during class sessions. 

Makeup Policy for Missed Work

If a student is absent on the day when a significant examination is scheduled, the student may make up the missed work as follows:

• The student must make arrangements with the instructor to reschedule the examination within 24 hours of returning from the absence.
• The missed work must be completed within two Amarillo College school days, each ending at 4:00 p.m.
• The student's makeup work may earn 80% of the original point value.

Electronic Testing Procedures

In this course, all tests will be administered electronically through the Blackboard Ultra platform. Students must bring their own fully charged tablets or laptops to each scheduled test to facilitate a smooth testing process. Testing will use the Respondus LockDown Browser, so please ensure it is installed on your device beforehand. Students must submit their completed tests on Blackboard before leaving the classroom with their laptops. Failure to submit within the designated time frame may result in a grade penalty. Upholding academic integrity is paramount in this course, and any cheating, plagiarism, or unauthorized collaboration during tests will be addressed strictly in accordance with the AC Rights and Responsibilities policies. By participating in electronic testing, students acknowledge and agree to comply with these procedures.

Attendance

"Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the student's responsibility to attend class according to the course's requirements as established by the instructor."  (Amarillo College Student's Rights and Responsibilities Publication).  

The Health Sciences Division follows established attendance requirements for all classroom, lab, and clinical experiences.  Students should refer to their program handbook or course syllabus for specific attendance standards.

Attendance is defined as being present, alert, and engaged for the entire class or lab session.  Students who fall asleep or fail to participate  may be asked to leave and will be marked absent.  The policy applies to both in-person and virtual formats.

Absences are monitored and evaluated to determine a student's final course grade.  A student with less than than 90% attendance or class or lab may fail the course.  Student absenteeism jeopardized the completion of the course.  Students must report any anticipated class/lab absence to the instructor.  Students who are not present for roll call are counted absent.  A student who leaves class or lab early is counted absent. 

A student will receive ONE bonus point to the final grade for perfect attendance with a prior passing minimum average of 75%.

Calendar

Additional Information

The Amarillo College Catalog

The Amarillo College Academic Catalog can be viewed at:  http://catalog.actx.edu. 

https://www.actx.edu/resources/

This website can be used to find those needed resources for Amarillo College students and their families.

Our goal is to provide as much information as possible for employees and students to be able to access campus and community resources when needed. There are many more resources in this community that are not listed on these pages. Some of these agencies and programs will change; so if you call and cannot get assistance, or cannot access a broken link, please contact me, Jordan Herrera, for more updated information.

The website will be updated as often as possible; therefore, most will be current. If the resources listed do not serve the needs you have or if you have any questions concerning this website, please call or email: Jordan Herrera, LMSW, Coordinator of Social Services, 806-371-5439, jordan@amarillocollege.com